SF90: Showing Sustainability application in Formula 1

Ferrari designed the SF90 to celebrate 90 years of Ferrari.  It is an incredible V8 90° with innovative three electric engines. One of electric engines is the MGU-K which comes from the sustainable transition of Formula 1 to hybrid.

Shifting to cleaner and efficient energy is becoming central to the automotive industry. All manufacturers are seeking out environmentally positive transitions. Ferrari, specifically, has been researching and developing viable alternatives since the mid 2000s.

Simultaneously, Kimi Raikkonen is snapping his first World Championship title in Brazil while the world urges modern sports to become an exemplary role model for society. Recently, sports have been committing to fight environmental changes by aligning with the sustainable development agenda initiated by the United Nations in 2008. In this scenario, motorsports have been one industry that have been mostly affected by the sustainable cause. The FIA (Federation Internationale d’Automobile) can be considered one of the front runners in creating an environmentally sustainable context in which their events, with specific attention to Formula 1, can thrive.

First Steps in Sustainability

The first steps in sustainability were initiated by FIA back in 2007, with the first set of many regulation changes. In time, Formula 1 have seen a creation of a contrasting relationship between sustainable exploration and performance. In fact, while the cause has been bringing technological advancement and an overall positive environmental impact. Flash forward 2014, and hybrid technology officially becomes part of Formula 1. The success of one of Ferrari’s greatest principals, Ross Brawn, with its Brawn GP shows the way to go introducing the perfect combination of aerodynamics and KERS systems, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which in 2014, would then consist of four different components, including MGU-K, MGU-H, energy store, and electronics control console.

MGU-K in the SF90

The MGU-K that is installed in Formula 1 – and SF90- is a component of the hybrid unit. It acts as both an electric generator and a motor. Under acceleration, it delivers power to the engine. Under braking, absorbs the heat created and transforms it into electricity for the battery. The unit is constantly operating, delivering HP to the engine, and generating electricity by recovering the energy. As in Formula 1, the MGU-K unit is capable of producing up to 120/160 HP, being a great addition to the SF90 electric output of 220 HP.

Ferrari designed the electric motor to control heat in the engine. The SF90 also inherited its cooling system from the Formula 1 car. The unit is studied to provide sufficient cooling by the design of the maze of the radiators and cooling pipes found across the car. Also, the car automatically pushes the operating voltage of the MGU-K allowing to support reducing the heat in the system.

SF90 electric components are the best efficient components in the industry.

SF90 Wheel Drive

How does the SF90 optimize the available power? Formula 1‘s gift on the car is the four wheels drive, with a multi-material frame, coupling carbon and aluminum alloys, which counterweights the heavy load gain due the addition of the electric motors. In addition, the SF90 configures the steering wheel and gearbox from the Formula 1 design, with a series of touch controls, and featuring futuristic displays with HD, curved screen, design to help you having the car under control while keeping the eyes on the road.

In short, SF90 is the continuation of the tradition of Ferrari innovating in Formula 1, while subsequently transferring technology in their models. Today, Formula 1 fights climate change through its sustainable strategy. Ferrari connects with the sustainable message of the industry. Ferrari is opting for maintaining the greatest performance and design by using all recent developments in the Formula 1 cars. Scuderia Ferrari has finally adopted an ambitious goal of reducing its environmental impact in motorsports.